Seaver College COVID-19 Updates

Who should I contact if I have questions about my classes?

Please contact your professor(s) via email. Contact information for each professor is provided on the class syllabus and is also available on each school's website. 

What if I am having trouble with online classes?

The first step is to contact your professor. If you need help that the professor cannot provide, contact the divisional dean who oversees the relevant course. If your trouble goes beyond a specific class or division, complete the Seaver College Student Academic Challenges form. Your information will go directly to the office of the dean of Seaver College. We will contact you as quickly as possible. Know that the college is committed to ensuring that every student has the resources needed to learn and succeed during this time of online instruction.

Will the content covered in final exams still be the same?

The content of finals and other assignments will be determined by each professor. Please review the final exam schedule for the dates of final exams. 

What about the change-of-final-exam form?

The same guidelines and deadlines for submitting a change of final exam request apply. To submit a request, complete the Change of Final Exam form. 

What about assigned group projects? How should we meet with our group?

If group projects are part of your course, your professor will advise you on how these will be handled. If you wish to organize study groups for a course, a convenient way to do so is to use the Navigate app's Study Buddies feature. Students can also use Zoom to initiate group meetings or study sessions.

How will laboratory, studio, performance, or other types of classes that are not lecture-based be delivered remotely?

Each of these types of courses will use appropriate methods to achieve learning objectives. You will receive communication from your professor(s) about how each course will be handled.

I am a Seaver College graduate student. Will there be changes to the comprehensive exam or thesis process?

Deadlines related to completing your degree will remain the same. Your comprehensive exam may be in person or remote depending on campus-use restrictions. Contact your program director early to determine the best course forward. The process and schedule for your thesis will stay the same. Your defense may be in person or remote depending on your circumstances and those of your committee. Contact your program director early to determine the best course forward.

What should I do about my internship?

Connect with your faculty member right away to discuss options. 

Will the semester academic calendar change?

Due to the pandemic, the academic calendar for the 2020-2021 year has been adjusted. See the full academic calendar and final exam schedule for details. We will continue to update you if any further changes to the academic calendar are made. 

This revised academic calendar minimizes student travel between semesters, limits travel during the academic semesters. The slightly delayed start to the spring semester hopefully also provides time for the development and implementation of effective COVID-19 treatment and vaccination programs.

I am a Seaver College student who is enrolled in the conflict management certificate program with the Caruso School of Law. What does this change mean for those classes?

Students enrolled in this program will receive direct communication from the School of Law.

What are the housing policies?

HRL hopes for a return to on-campus housing occupancy for the spring 2021 semester. However, guidance may require limitations to the number of students residing on campus. For this reason, Housing and Residence Life will provide updated information on spring 2021 semester on-campus housing as plans develop. See the latest communication from the Dean of Seaver College (above) for the most up-to-date information.

For students who reside on campus, will dining services be available?

The hours and services above are subject to change, and community members are encouraged to review the Pepperdine Dining Services website regularly.

For students who reside on campus, will campus security be available?

Yes, Public Safety will continue its normal security practices.

Where else can I receive academic support?

If you need academic support beyond what professors, divisions, or various support offices are able to provide, please complete the Seaver College Student Academic Support form. Your information will go directly to the dean's office, and we'll be in touch with you.

How can I access library resources?

Pepperdine Libraries is excited to support students, faculty, and staff as we adapt to remote learning. Although the library buildings are closed, there are numerous online services available for teaching and learning remotely. If you need further assistance, don't hesitate to contact a librarian through online chat or email.

Will the Writing Center continue to provide support to students?

Yes, the center continues to offer writing support services remotely. If you need assistance, fill out the online form which is available at the Writing Center website.

Will the Seaver College Student Success Center continue to offer tutoring?

Yes. The Student Success Center offers a full schedule of group and one-on-one tutoring through Zoom during the fall and spring semesters, as well as academic coaching sessions and success workshops. Visit the Seaver Student Success Center website for the latest information. Their website also has great tips for online learning.

I am a graduating senior and need support in career advice. Do I still have access to Seaver College's Career Services?

Yes. Services are available for all students. We are here to help you make progress on your career goals. Contact the Career Center via email or visit the Career Center website.

What if I have specific academic challenges not addressed by the information above?

If your challenge relates to a specific course, please contact that professor directly. If your challenge is broader than one course or you feel you need additional assistance, please let the Seaver Dean's Office know by completing the Seaver College Student Academic Challenges form. We will reach out to you as quickly as we are able.

How can I return books rented through the Pepperdine Campus Store?

Sign in to your Pepperdine Campus Store customer account online to begin the return shipping process and access return shipping labels. The rental return grace period has been extended to November 30, but students are advised to return rental books as soon as possible. Please review the details below for your return and sell-back options. Contact the Pepperdine Campus Store at 310.506.4291 with questions.

How do I ship rented books back to the campus store?

Pepperdine University will be covering the shipping cost to return books rented through the Seaver, Drescher, Caruso School of Law, or West LA Campus Stores. To ensure your rental returns are processed correctly, follow the steps below to generate your rental packing slip. Your packing slip is crucial to include in your box. It identifies you, what you're returning, and where to send your rentals.

• Sign in to your Pepperdine Campus Store customer account using the email you used to rent (which is the same email this message was sent to). To establish a password, click "Forgot Password?" to reset. Then click My Account > Rentals.
• Upon sign-in, you will be directed to the "Rentals" page in "My Account".
• Scroll down to view Rental History. Click the "Return by Mail" button (or "Return All Rentals by Mail" link). A pop-up will open.
• Please note: if you rented a package with multiple components, all components must be included with your return.
• Follow the steps to print your packing slip. Print two copies: one to go inside your box, the other to take to your shipping carrier.
• Take note of your tracking number (if provided by the carrier). You will receive an email confirmation when your rental return is processed.
  
  

How do I ship purchased books back to the campus store?

• Visit the Valore Books website.
• Find your ISBN to get started.
• Enter your info and send in your book(s) within 14 days of receiving your sell-back quote.
• Utilize the FREE shipping option and receive payment via check or PayPal.
  
  

I live on campus. How can I return or sell a book in person?

Students living on campus may return their rented or purchased books to the Seaver Campus Store located in the TCC building during business hours from 10 AM to 3 PM Monday through Friday.

I currently receive accommodations through the Office of Student Accessibility (OSA). How will I receive my accommodations during remote classes and assessments?

For notetaking, please check your Note-taker Network. Notify the note-taking services coordinator immediately if you are not receiving notes. For exams, please work with your professor(s) as assessment information is discussed. If you would like OSA to resend a copy of your accommodation letter to your professor(s), please send the names of your instructor(s) and classes to the Office of Student Accessibility. 

The following information provides guidance on academic policies and actions you may be considering. Please reach out to OneStop or your faculty advisor if you have additional questions.

Incompletes

To receive an incomplete:

• A student must have attended class and completed all work and assignments, but because of a documented emergency in the last quarter of the term, fails to complete required coursework.
• The incomplete must be approved by OneStop and a contract must be developed with the course professor.
• If a student is granted an incomplete, they must complete all remaining coursework by the date indicated in the contract and no later than the end of the spring semester. All incomplete grades will default to an F if the work is not completed in accordance with the contract and the incomplete policy in the Seaver College Academic Catalog.
  
  

When is an Incomplete inappropriate?

When it is necessary for a student to attend a major portion of the class when it is next offered. The Incomplete Form and instructions are available on the Registrar's website.

Withdrawal/Dropping Courses

What is the process for a student to withdraw from an individual class in Spring 2021?

• Through April 5, students may withdraw from one or more classes with a grade of W by contacting OneStop from their Pepperdine email.
• Through May 7, students may withdraw from one or more classes for and receive either a grade of WP or WF. See the "Withdrawal from Courses" section (page 72) of Seaver College Academic Catalog for more information.
• Students should check with an aid counselor before withdrawing from a course, as withdrawal may affect a student's eligibility for financial aid.
  
  

 Will there be any changes to the probation and dismissal process?

Probation and dismissal processes and policies will not change (see page 73 of the Seaver College Academic Catalog). However, individual student situations, for those students impacted by the disruption, will be reviewed by the Seaver Credits Committee, the Registrar's Office and the Seaver Dean's Office.

Required synchronous class activities

No student is required to participate synchronously in any class activity that occurs for the student between the hours of 11 PM and 7 AM (according to the student's time zone), including class exams or quizzes.

Travel and Visas for students currently outside of the United States

Most continuing Pepperdine students have valid visas, however, students admitted since the COVID-19 outbreak are most affected by US embassy closures or delays still being reported. Please refer to their websites for specific visa appointments and processing wait times.

The US Presidential Travel Bans and quarantine for certain countries is still in effect, but it is unclear to what extent they may be enforced. Students traveling from the Schengen Area, the UK, and Ireland with valid F-1 visas do not need to contact an embassy or consulate to seek an individual national interest exception to travel. Students seeking to apply for new F-1 visas should check the status of visa services at the nearest embassy or consulate; those applicants who are found to be otherwise qualified for an F-1 visa will automatically be considered for a national interest exception to travel.

Please see the CDC order in effect regarding the requirement that all travelers must show proof of negative COVID-19 test result before boarding a flight to the US. Keep monitoring CDC and ICE websites for updated information.

F-1 Visa Holders

To date, there has been no official spring 2021 regulatory guidance from SEVP, but the general consensus of DSOs throughout Southern California is that it will be a continuation of the fall 2020 guidance.

For the spring 2021 semester, you are eligible to enter the US to study in a modality of in-person or hybrid instruction if:

• You have a SEVIS record in "continuing" status.
  • You have completed a Travel Permission Form.
  • You have a valid DSO travel signature on page two of your current I-20.
  • You print and carry a copy of your spring 2021 class schedule.

Note: Because the semester start date was February 8, an entry later in the semester could create confusion and/or delays at the point of entry. 

For the summer 2021 sessions, you are eligible to enter the US to study in a modality of in-person or hybrid instruction if:

• You are in "continuing" SEVIS status and enroll in either or both of the summer 2021 sessions. 
  • You have completed a Travel Permission Form. 
  • You have a valid passport, F-1 visa, and I-20 with a valid DSO travel signature on page two.
• You were enrolled online for fall 2020 or spring 2021 semesters while outside of the US.
  • You enroll in a minimum of 12 units, at least one course being in-person.
  • You have a valid passport and F-1 visa. 
  • You were issued an "initial" or "initial - transfer pending" I-20 and have requested to have the program start date updated to Summer 2021 by completing a new International Student Data (ISD) form on the OISS portal.
  • You have not yet entered the US to activate your SEVIS record.
  • You do not enter the US after June 7, 2021.

Note: The summer 2021 term is only two months long, and it is extremely challenging to successfully complete 12 units in such a short amount of time. If the challenge results in you withdrawing from the summer term, you will need to begin the process to obtain a new SEVIS record and I-20, exit the US, and re-enter. Please refer to the OISS website for more information.

For the fall 2021 semester, you are eligible to enter the US to study in a modality of in-person or hybrid instruction if:

• You are in "continuing" SEVIS status.
  • You are enrolled in a minimum of 12 units or have been authorized for a reduced course load. 
  • You have completed a Travel Permission Form
  • You have a valid passport, F-1 visa, and DSO travel signature on page two of your current I-20. 
• You were enrolled in online classes outside of the US for the fall 2020 or spring 2021 semesters and still have a SEVIS record in "initial" or "initial-transfer pending" status.
• You are enrolled in at least 12 units with at least one course being in person.
• You have a valid passport and F-1 visa. 
• You have requested that your I-20 be updated with a fall 2021 Program Start Date by completing a new International Student Data (ISD) form in the OISS portal.
• You do not enter the US after August 23, 2021.
  
• You are a newly admitted fall 2021 student with an "initial" or "initial-transfer pending" SEVIS status. 
  • You are enrolled in a minimum of 12 units with at least one course being in person. (The school officials will build your first schedule for you and will enroll you in at least one in-person class.)
  • You have a valid passport, F-1 visa, and Pepperdine "initial" or "initial-transfer pending" I-20.
  • You do not enter after August 23, 2021.

You may review SEVIS status terms and conditions in this helpful chart.

Can I share a Zoom session link with others?

Treat the Zoom session as a private event and share the Zoom meeting link only with the intended participants. Participants should not share the link publicly or with others who do not need to be in the meeting. Participants are also advised to not post the meeting link in social public forums. Faculty are encouraged to post the meeting link in their institutional learning management system for students to access.

How can I prevent "Zoombombing" during a Zoom session?

Some universities and school districts are reporting inappropriate and offensive activities known as Zoombombing, where unwanted participants enter the Zoom meeting room and screen-share and/or proceed to say or write very offensive things. Zoombombing can usually be prevented by following these best practices:

• Assign screen sharing ability only to the host. In Zoom, click the upward arrowhead (^) next to Share | Advanced Sharing Options | Only Host.
• Mute participants upon entry and disable their ability to unmute themselves. In Zoom, click Manage Participants | the "More" button and check both "Mute Participants On Entry" and "Allow participants to unmute themselves."
• Allow participants to chat with the host only. In Zoom, click Chat | the "ellipsis" button and check "Host only."
  
  

What do I do if I experience offensive or disruptive activity during a Zoom session?

Zoombombing can happen in Zoom or any other video conferencing solution. If you experience such activities, please report the incident as soon as possible to a member of the University IT staff.

Student-athletes will be receiving an update from the Athletics department concerning return to campus protocols and timeline. All questions regarding athletics should be directed to your coach or the Athletics department staff.

Seaver College and Pepperdine University recognize that many of our students and their families have been affected significantly by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our institution and our people have experienced these same negative effects. At the same time, our commitment to providing each student a premier educational and residential experience of his or her choosing during the pandemic has required significant institutional investment beyond a normal academic year. After considered deliberation, Seaver College's tuition will remain unchanged from the previously published amount of $28,875. The Student Government Association Campus Life Fee—which supports Inter Club Council, Student Government Association, Student Programming Board, Student Wellness Advisory Board, as well as on- and off-campus programming—will be $63.

To support students and families during this unprecedented time, the University has an appeal process for those with documented special circumstances. For more information on how to submit an appeal for additional financial assistance toward tuition costs review the Special Circumstances page.